Clamp for clamping transparent glass for an image sensor package

ABSTRACT

A clamp for clamping transparent glass for an image sensor package. The clamp includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a first end formed with a first recess, and a second end. The second plate has a first end and a second end connected to the second end of the first plate such that a clamping force may be applied to the first and second plates in order to clamp the transparent glass. The first end of the second plate is formed with a second recess corresponding to the first recess of the first plate so that two lateral sides of the transparent glass may be received in the first recess and the second recess, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the invention

[0002] The invention relates to a clamp for an image sensor package, and more particularly to a clamp for firmly clamping transparent glass for an image sensor package.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] A general sensor is used to sense signals, which may be optical or audio signals. The sensor of the invention is used to receive image signals or optical signals. After receiving the image signals, the sensor converts the image signals into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to a printed circuit board via a substrate.

[0005] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional image sensor includes a substrate 10, a frame layer 12, a photosensitive chip 14, a plurality of wires 15, and transparent glass 22. The substrate 10 has an upper surface 11 on which signal input terminals 18 are formed, and a lower surface 13 on which signal output terminals 24 are formed. The frame layer 12 is arranged on the substrate 10 to form a cavity 16 together with the substrate 10. The photosensitive chip 14 is arranged on the substrate 10 and within the cavity 16. A plurality of bonding pads 20 is formed on the photosensitive chip 14. The wires 15 electrically connect the bonding pads 20 of the photosensitive chip 14 to the signal input terminals 18 of the substrate 10, respectively. The transparent glass 22 is arranged on the frame layer 12 to cover and encapsulate the photosensitive chip 14.

[0006] Referring to FIG. 2, a conventional clamp for clamping transparent glass includes a first plate 30 having a first end 32 and a second end 34; and a second plate 36 having a first end 38 and a second end 39. The second end 39 is connected to the second end 34 of the first plate 30 such that the first plate 30 and the second plate 36 may clamp the transparent glass. When the transparent glass 22 is to be placed in the image sensor and the cleanness of the transparent glass is to be examined, the first end 32 of the first plate 30 and the first end 38 of the second plate 36 of the clamp may be used to clamp the transparent glass 22.

[0007] However, the conventional clamp has the following drawbacks.

[0008] 1. The first plate 30 and the second plate 36 of the clamp may only clamp the transparent glass 22 in a point-contact manner, so the transparent glass 22 tends to escape from the clamp.

[0009] 2. The first plate 30 and the second plate 36 of the clamp may only clamp the lateral sides of the transparent glass 22 in a point-contact manner, so the lateral sides of the transparent glass 22 may be easily damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An object of the invention is to provide a clamp for conveniently clamping transparent glass for an image sensor package so that the manufacturing processes of the image sensor may be improved.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a clamp for firmly clamping the transparent glass for the image sensor package.

[0012] To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the invention provides a clamp for clamping transparent glass for an image sensor package. The clamp includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a first end formed with a first recess, and a second end. The second plate has a first end and a second end connected to the second end of the first plate such that a clamping force may be applied to the first and second plates in order to clamp the transparent glass. The first end of the second plate is formed with a second recess corresponding to the first recess of the first plate so that two lateral sides of the transparent glass may be received in the first recess and the second recess, respectively, and the transparent glass may be firmly clamped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration showing a conventional image sensor.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration showing a clamp for the conventional image sensor package.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration showing a clamp for an image sensor package of the invention.

[0016]FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration showing the clamp of the invention for clamping transparent glass.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Referring to FIG. 3, a clamp for an image sensor package of the invention includes a first plate 40 and a second plate 42.

[0018] The first plate 40 is made of plastic material and has a first end 44 and a second end 46. The first end 44 is integrally formed with a first recess 48.

[0019] The second plate 42 is made of plastic material and has a first end 50 and a second end 52. The second end 52 is connected to the second end 46 of the first plate 40 such that a clamping force may be applied to the first plate 40 and the second plate 42 in order to clamp the transparent glass. The first end 50 of the second plate 42 is integrally formed with a second recess 54 corresponding to the first recess 48 of the first plate 40. Lateral sides of the transparent glass may be received in the first recess 48 of the first plate 40 and the second recess 54 of the second plate 42, respectively, and the transparent glass may be clamped by the first plate 40 and the second plate 42. The widths of the first recess 48 and the second recess 54 are slightly larger than the thickness of the transparent glass.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, when the transparent glass 56 is to be packaged, or when the transparent glass 56 is to be picked for cleanness examination, the clamp may be used to clamp the transparent glass 56. The lateral sides of the transparent glass 56 fall within the first recess 48 and second recess 54, respectively. Thus, the transparent glass 56 may be firmly clamped. Furthermore, since the first plate 40 and the second plate 42 clamp the transparent glass 56 in a surface-contact manner, it is possible to prevent the lateral sides of the transparent glass 56 from being damaged by the applied force.

[0021] The clamp of the invention has the following advantages.

[0022] 1. The clamp may easily clamp the transparent glass 56, and the manufacturing processes may be improved.

[0023] 2. The clamp may firmly clamp the transparent glass 56.

[0024] 3. The clamp cannot damage the lateral sides of the transparent glass 56 when clamping the transparent glass 56.

[0025] While the invention has been described by way of an example and in terms of a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A clamp for clamping transparent glass for an image sensor package, the clamp comprising: a first plate having a first end and a second end, the first end being formed with a first recess; and a second plate having a first end and a second end, the second end of the second plate being connected to the second end of the first plate such that a clamping force may be applied to the first and second plates in order to clamp the transparent glass, the first end of the second plate being formed with a second recess corresponding to the first recess of the first plate so that two lateral sides of the transparent glass may be received in the first recess and the second recess, respectively.
 2. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the first plate and the second plate are made of plastic material.
 3. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the first plate and the first recess are integrally formed.
 4. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the second plate and the second recess are integrally formed.
 5. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein each of the first recess and the second recess has a width slightly larger than a thickness of the transparent glass. 